Amanda Wilson: Strictly Business Magazine

River City Six: Amanda Wilson

How did you get started in the business?

After I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in English with minors in Psychology and Secondary Education, I wasn’t quite sure where that would lead me on my future career trajectory. So I continued my college career of bartending and serving, which fortunately allowed me to be picky about what professional endeavor I wanted to pursue. As fate would have it, our previous editor, who had been in that role for over a decade, made the decision to transition into a new position with the company. After an intense, highly competitive interview process, I was selected as her successor for both our Omaha and Lincoln publications.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

At first, it was the steep learning curve that came along with my new career. After that, it’s been maintaining high standards for the editorial content of our publications, given the high volume of work produced within monthly deadlines. Serving as a journalist/copywriter in addition to the traditional editor role, I have the opportunity to work directly with our clients and others in the local business community, spanning a wide variety of industries, who all have different goals for the promotion of their businesses/organizations. I’ve always got a lot of balls in the air, that’s for sure.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

Having so much of my work published and read by thousands of people monthly, and consistently exceeding the expectations of our clients. It’s been so rewarding to help local businesses grow and be a part of their success.

Tell us a little about your family.

They’re the best! My parents Rex and Linda both work for the State at the Department of Roads; my dad coordinates the utilities for roadway projects and my mom works in the Communication Division. My guy Aric and I have the sweetest dog; she’s a red Doberman named Hurley. We just lost our other furry family member, Starr, last month; she was 14 and had health complications but it all happened really quickly, so that’s been tough. My brother Ryan and sister-in-law Marie have blessed me with two nephews, Tristan and Jack, who are really fun little guys with big personalities. August is a wild month for us – first, it’s my dad’s birthday, then my parent’s wedding anniversary and oldest nephew’s birthday on the same day, then my birthday, and then my brother’s birthday!

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

Anything with live music, getting outdoors, being adventurous, hanging with family and friends, and sometimes just relaxing. Whatever the day brings!

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

Educator.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

I’ve had the honor of working with a number of non-profits in the Omaha Metro and Lincoln areas, and all are doing such incredibly important work.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?

My dad read me A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle as a kid and it’s a favorite memory of mine. I also very much adore Pablo Neruda’s books of poetry. I’m actually pretty fond of children’s books too – my faves are The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and The Lorax by Dr. Seuss.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?

Maya Angelou or Maynard James Keenan…probably not at the same time. But, although she’s not famous, my late grandma Hilda would beat both of them out.